Return to Concurrent Learning
Our Safe Return to School: In-Person Learning Updates
As we plan for the safe return of students to in-person learning, it is important that families are kept informed. This communication will outline several new procedures and guidelines that will be in place at Walt Whitman Middle School to ensure everyone’s health and safety.
In this Edition
- Parent/Guardian Health Screening Commitment Form
- New Bell Schedule
- Start Dates
- Guidelines During the School Day
- Students Services Staff
- Visitors
- Bus Transportation
- Virtual Learning Pages for students and parents
1. Parent/Guardian Health Screening Commitment Form
As schools prepare for the return of students to in-person learning, parents/caregivers will be asked to acknowledge a Health Screening Commitment form before their student(s) return to school buildings. This document confirms that a parent/caregiver/guardian will complete a daily health screening and will keep their students’ home when they are ill.
The Health Commitment form can be submitted electronically through in ParentVUE, or via hard copy. The Parent/Guardian Health Screening Commitment form is also available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese. Completing this form now will be helpful as we plan for the return of students to in-person learning. Thank you!
2. New Bell Schedule
As more students return for in-person learning, it will be necessary to revise the bell schedule to accommodate more bus runs. The number of students allowed on each bus will be reduced substantially to meet social distancing requirements. With fewer students able to ride a bus at the same time, FCPS must adjust the times that our buses are transporting students. The school day will be reduced by 15 minutes due to the increased cleaning time required between bus runs.
A revised bell schedule has been developed to improve start times and end times for all levels. Barring any changes to the plan that may be impacted by the pandemic, the high school bell schedule (7:30 am – 2:00 pm) will be in place effective Tuesday, February 16, 2021 for both virtual and in-person instruction.

3. Start Dates
Schools will implement a staggered return to school for in-person students. Listed below outlines the return dates for the specific grade levels.
Group 8 - March 2, 2021 Grade 8
Group 8 - March 9, 2021 Grade 7
4. Guidelines During the School Day
To maintain a healthy environment for all students and staff, it is imperative that students strictly adhere to the guidelines listed below for the designated area.
Arrival |
Hallways |
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Cafeteria |
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Bathroom
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Main Office |
Clinic |
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Dismissal |
Lockers |
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5. Students Services Staff
School counselors and mental health team members will only be available by appointment. Students are asked to e-mail their school counselor, social worker, the school psychologist, or college and career center specialist to request an appointment. The contact information is available at the following link: Walt Whitman Student Services
6. Visitors
All visitors must have a scheduled appointment with a staff member to enter the building. Upon arrival to Door #1, visitors must push the buzzer which will connect them to security. All visitors will be asked to complete the Daily Health Screening Questionnaire (English, Spanish) before being granted access to the building.
If any visitor answers “YES” to any question on the health questionnaire, they will not be permitted to enter the building. Visitors who answer “NO” will be permitted to access the building and will be greeted by a masked employee, who will direct them to their meeting. All visitors must wear a mask while inside the building.
As we continue to practice social distancing, we will limit the number of visitors to our building. If you have an appointment with a staff member, only bring others with you who are relevant to the meeting.
7. Bus Transportation
- Parents will receive information about bus schedules prior to start.
- Social distancing requirements limit capacity on school buses.
- Students are reminded to wear a face covering when riding the school bus.
- Students will be required to sit in seats as marked on the school bus.
- Bus stop information will be available at the school and in ParentVUE.
- Here Comes the Bus app is available and provides school bus arrival information.
8. 2020-21 Return to School
Our "2020-21 Return to School" page is where we will post updates, reminders, and other logistical information from Principal Herring and the Whitman admin team to parents during this school year.
Our "Virtual Learning" page, is devoted to providing ongoing resources to help student and their parents during virtual learning.
Please click on the link to access this google site with wonderful resources and information for students. Students will use the @fcpsschools.net credentials to access this site.
